Auto sales still slow locally

The latest vehicle registrations after sale data from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office showed local auto dealerships remain mired in a deep slump.

Sales tax revenue may be growing in other industries, but residents of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties registered just 4,559 cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs after purchase in June compared with 6,302 vehicles registered in June of 2009.

To be fair, June 2009's totals were inflated because of the federal government's cash-for-clunkers program which subsidized buyers who traded aging, low mileage vehicles for newer fuel efficient ones.

Still, when you look at a five-year trend for June you see how much auto dealers are hurting.

June 2006 -- 8,052 vehicle registrations

June 2007 -- 7,045 vehicle registrations

June 2008 -- 6,660 vehicle registrations

June 2009 -- 6,302 vehicle registrations

June 2010 -- 4,559 vehicle registrations

alex gary

The latest vehicle registrations after sale data from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office showed local auto dealerships remain mired in a deep slump.

Sales tax revenue may be growing in other industries, but residents of Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties registered just 4,559 cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs after purchase in June compared with 6,302 vehicles registered in June of 2009.

To be fair, June 2009's totals were inflated because of the federal government's cash-for-clunkers program which subsidized buyers who traded aging, low mileage vehicles for newer fuel efficient ones.

Still, when you look at a five-year trend for June you see how much auto dealers are hurting.

June 2006 -- 8,052 vehicle registrations

June 2007 -- 7,045 vehicle registrations

June 2008 -- 6,660 vehicle registrations

June 2009 -- 6,302 vehicle registrations

June 2010 -- 4,559 vehicle registrations

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